Volkswagen CC Eco Performance Concept Unveiled at SEMA 2008

Often, hype makes room for disappointment. In the case of Volkswagen's latest concept car, that's far from true. At the 2008 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Volkswagen unveiled what it dubs its "powerful performance meets luxury" vehicle, the Super CC performance concept Volkswagen.

With a small swarm of attendees eagerly awaiting their first glimpse of the Performance CC, Jim Gill, Volkswagen's head of Product and Technology Public Relations communications, made a few other announcements, namely that all Volkswagens will come equipped with Electronic Stability Program as standard equipment, starting with its 2009 vehicles. The auto maker becomes one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an ESP control system, a technology that works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps to reduce loss of control, in its entire product line, ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2012 deadline, requiring such systems.

"Volkswagen has been on a roll in 2008," Gill says. "We're here today to add fuel to that momentum."

That momentum was the unveiling of the Performance CC concept car, 2.0L TSI engine has been upgraded with an APR stage 3 turbocharger system with three performance levels. In Full Power mode the Performance CC brings 311 HP and 313 lbs-ft of torque; GT mode offers 252 HP and 268 lbs-ft of torque; and in the Eco mode 222 HP and 236 lbs-ft of torque. Also included is the APR stainless steel performance exhaust system.

The sleek exterior treatment is highlighted by black chrome exterior accents, grey pearl paint with custom front and rear bumper, side panels and machined aluminum spoiler. The black treatment continues inside with high-gloss piano black accents offset by matte black graphics. Customer black leather Recaro seats and matching floor mats are highlighted with white piping.

Designed by the Volkswagen Design Center in California with assistance from APR, LLC. In Wolfsburg, Germany, Recaro, H&R Suspension and Brembo North America, the Performance CC sits on custom designed 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels and high performance 245/30 R20 Yokahama tires with an H&R street coil over sport suspension kit. With all this power to handle, Volkswagen has upgraded the brakes to provide extra power to stop. The Performance CC features 14-inch Brembo brakes with 4-piston Aluminum Alloy Brake Calipers and 355x32mm 2-Piece Floating Cross Drilled Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats.

From initial inspection, this vehicle could very well live up to its hype.